Leo M. Hambelton, 90, of Gainesville, MO passed away February 19, 2023 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mtn Home, AR. He was born February 25, 1932 in Owensville, MO, the second of five boys to Arzie and Ina (Boatright) Hambelton.
Leo grew up in Gainesville and was a 1949 graduate of Gainesville High School. On June 5, 1953 he was united in marriage to Verda Faye Newton and to this union one son was born, Greg. Leo and Verda Faye raised their son and enjoyed the next 40 years together until her passing in 1992.
Leo loved life and finding ways to have fun. He enjoyed square dancing, blue-grass festivals, hunting and fishing. But some of his favorite times were those spent with “the boys” down at the family hunting cabin. Many years and many more stories were shared with those closest to him. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Leo is survived by one son Greg Hambelton; one brother Elmo Hambelton and wife Sue all of Gainesville, MO; several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Verda Faye Hambelton; and three brothers Waco Hambelton, Theo Hambelton, and Gary Hambelton.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2023 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO with Mason Eslinger officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday evening, February 22, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Smith Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks, 701 Burnett Dr, Mtn Home, AR 72653. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
